firmware
FURM-wair
/ˈfɜːrmwer/
Low-level software programmed directly into a hardware device's non-volatile memory to control its basic operations.
Firmware is the bridge between hardware and software. It is 'firm' because it is rarely changed and is written directly to the device's chips, unlike regular software applications.
The story behind the word. Coined by computer scientist Ascher Opler in a 1967 article in Datamation. He used it to describe a third kind of computer code that sat between hardware (hard) and software (soft), written to a read-only memory chip.
Word relationships
- microcode: Microcode is an even lower level of instructions that controls the processor itself, whereas firmware controls the entire device.
- software: Software refers to high-level programs that run on top of an operating system and are easily modified, unlike firmware.
Commonly confused with
- software: Firmware is low-level code embedded directly into hardware, while software refers to high-level programs run on top of an operating system.
Collocations
- firmware update
- embedded firmware
- flash the firmware
- corrupt firmware
Example sentences
- "Do not turn off the router while the firmware is updating, as this may cause the device to become completely unresponsive." A user manual for a smart home router.
Memory hook
It is 'firm' because it is hard to change, unlike 'soft' software which you can delete or update easily. Firmware is firmly embedded in the hardware.
When not to use
Do not use firmware to refer to standard computer applications like web browsers or word processors.
Fun facts
- If a firmware update is interrupted, the device can become 'bricked'—meaning it is as useless as a physical brick.
Related words
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